Pinwheel Beret

Pinwheel Beret by Julie Yeager

What Is Being Made

The Pinwheel Beret is a colorful knitted hat designed by Julie Yeager featuring a striking pinwheel pattern created through intarsia color work. This beret is a sophisticated accessory that stretches from approximately 18 inches at the brim to 24 inches when worn, with a finished diameter of 13 inches when flattened. The design combines a fitted ribbed brim with an expansive, structured crown typical of classic beret styling.

Techniques Used

Intarsia Colorwork: The pinwheel pattern is created using the intarsia technique, which involves knitting with multiple colors in distinct sections rather than carrying yarn across the back of the work. This method produces clean color transitions and prevents the fabric from becoming bulky. The pattern instructions specifically recommend using butterfly holders to keep each color organized and prevent tangling during the color changes.

Increases and Decreases: The beret construction begins with a smaller cast-on that is strategically increased to create the expanded crown. The pattern uses the KFB (knit front and back) increase method to transition from the ribbed brim to the larger body section. Decreases are worked using k2tog (knit two together) to shape the crown as the pattern progresses.

Gauge Management: Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this advanced project. The pattern specifies 16 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches, which ensures the finished hat maintains its intended dimensions and drape.

Stitches Used

• Knit Stitch (K): The fundamental stitch used throughout most of the beret
• Purl Stitch (P): Used in the ribbed brim and as the reverse side of stockinette stitch in the body
• Ribbing (K1, P1): Creates the elastic, fitted brim that holds the beret securely on the head
• KFB (Knit Front and Back): An increase stitch used to expand from 84 stitches to 130 stitches between the brim and body sections
• K2tog (Knit Two Together): A decrease stitch used to shape the crown and reduce stitch count as the pattern progresses
• Stockinette Stitch: Formed by alternating knit rows and purl rows, creating the smooth fabric of the beret body

Materials and Yarn

The Pinwheel Beret is worked in worsted weight yarn (#4), with the pattern specifically suggesting Vanna's Choice or any comparable worsted weight option. The design requires six different colors (designated as Color A, B, C, D, E, and F), with approximately 15 grams of each color needed. This modest yardage requirement makes the project accessible while creating a visually dramatic color effect.

The pattern calls for Size 4 (3.5 mm) straight knitting needles for the ribbed brim section and Size 8 (5.0 mm) straight knitting needles for the larger body of the beret. The needle size increase corresponds with the stitch increase, allowing the fabric to expand appropriately from the fitted brim to the fuller crown.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, reflecting the complexity of working intarsia colorwork with multiple color changes across each row. Knitters attempting this project should be comfortable with color work techniques, managing multiple yarn colors simultaneously, and executing increases and decreases with precision. The intarsia method requires careful attention to prevent gaps where colors meet, making this an excellent project for experienced knitters looking to expand their colorwork skills.